Former neighbor testifies on Villar's rags-to-riches story

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines – A former neighbor of Nacionalista Party (NP) standard-bearer Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. in Moriones, Tondo came out in the open yesterday and testified on the rags-to-riches story of the presidential candidate.

Villar was surprised to see Danny Tinoco, who has relocated in General Santos City.

Tinoco recalled how the young Villar accompanied his mother, Nanay Curing, to Divisoria to sell one or two “banyeras” of shrimps and fish.

From small quantities, mother and son eventually got several “banyeras” and transported them through a stainless-type jeepney.

Villar has repeatedly cried foul over the attacks by his opponents questioning his humble beginnings.

Tinoco said Villar became one of the richest in the country through hard work and perseverance.

In Manila, Villar’s supporters called for an end to worsening mudslinging in the campaign.

The groups, including Tayo para kay Villar, Cardinals and Robins for Villar, Pan Xenia, Pi Omicron, Movement for Better Values, Move Up and Volunteers for Villar, formed a human “check” in Liwasang Bonifacio to protest what they described as “political mud” being thrown against their bet.

Check is the hand sign being used by Villar.

They said they were responding to the reported appeal of the Church, specifically Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, to stop mudslinging and instead focus on platforms of government during the campaign.

“The choice of the electorate must be based on truths and facts instead of gossips and innuendos. Black propaganda has become the weapon of choice for some demolition parties,” the groups added.

Speakers in the rally included a former teacher, Sarah Pagsibigan, who narrated the help extended by Villar, which enabled her to join and win an international contest sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.

Meanwhile, Villar said leadership is still the single most critical issue in the elections as he stressed that experience, not rhetoric, will carry the country to progress.

Addressing the Guardians Brotherhood Inc. last Friday, Villar said the next president of the Philippines should be one who has the knowledge and experience to lead.

The NP standard-bearer said it was important for voters to look at the track record of candidates and check their performance as leaders in their respective fields. – With Edu Punay